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Yaya Diallo
(Mali)
Biography
Yaya Diallo, is a musician, a master percussionist, but also composer, healer, teacher and author
of the book The healing Drum: African Wisdom Teachings.
Son of a Peul father and a Minianka mother, he grew up with the sound of drums and of the balafon,
the instrument frequently played by the Minianka. Thanks to his mother, from the Berthé family
(hunters, musicians but also often canton chiefs), he was exposed to the fruits of the musicians
from the former Zangasso canton. The musician and healer, Nangapè Koné became his mentor.
A scolarship brought Yaya Diallo to Canada in 1967, where he graduated in chemistry in 1973. Although he started a career in chemisty, his interest in traditional music was triggered during a festival in Quebec. In 1976, he returned to music, and he created two groups, Djembe-Kan and Cléba. His debut album, « Nangapè », now reissued on CD, reconciles in an exceptional way the flute from his Peul (Fulani) background and the sound of the balafon.
A scolarship brought Yaya Diallo to Canada in 1967, where he graduated in chemistry in 1973. Although he started a career in chemisty, his interest in traditional music was triggered during a festival in Quebec. In 1976, he returned to music, and he created two groups, Djembe-Kan and Cléba. His debut album, « Nangapè », now reissued on CD, reconciles in an exceptional way the flute from his Peul (Fulani) background and the sound of the balafon.
Yaya Diallo: Album cover 'Nangapè'
• Musicians on the album « Nangapè »:
Yaya Diallo djembe, balafon, dounouba, tama, conga;
Sylvain Leroux flute;
Born: 1946, in Fienso village, near Koutiala
Style: percussion music
Discography
Yaya Diallo djembe, balafon, dounouba, tama, conga;
Sylvain Leroux flute;
Born: 1946, in Fienso village, near Koutiala
Style: percussion music
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live At Club Soda | 2003 | Onzou Records OZ002 | |
| Nangapè | 2002 | Onzou Records OZ001 | CD reissue |
| Dombáa Folee: Minianka Medicine Music of Mali | 1998 | The Relaxation Company | |
| Dounoukan | 1995 | Everyone's Drumming/ Onzou | |
| The Healing Drum: African Ceremonial and Ritual Music | 1990 | Destiny Recordings | |
| Nangapè | 1980 | Onzou Records | LP |
Sources
Press kit Onzou Records
Press kit Onzou Records
Page added June 2002